Pinatas are a fun and lively addition to any party. However, there are certain circumstances when the traditional act of breaking it open is impractical. A pull-string pinata works well for very young children; small, enclosed spaces; and for pinatas that your child might not feel comfortable hitting, such as a familiar licensed character. Instead of hitting the pinata with a stick to break it open, children pull strings attached to a hidden door that opens the pinata and releases the candy. Most pinatas can be converted to a pull-string pinata by using the instructions below.

1. Set the piñata down with the bottom facing up. Some oddly-shaped piñatas may require creativity in deciding where the pull flap should be placed.
2. On the bottom, use an Exacto or utility knife to make a 3-sided trap door with approximately 3- to 4-inch sides.
3. Use the point of the blade to make small slits through the cardboard on the flap, making enough slits for each ribbon that you plan to use (at least one for each guest).
4. Cut the appropriate number of ribbons. Ribbon length should correspond to the height at which you plan to hang the piñata.
5. Thread a ribbon through each slit and attach them in one of two ways:
   
   • Knot all of the ribbons together inside the flap. This allows all the children to pull the strings at the same time to open the piñata as a group.
   • Knot just one or two ribbons and leave the rest loose. This will allow each guest to select a ribbon to pull until someone finds the one that opens the flap.
6. Fill the piñata with candy and/or small prizes.
7. Close the flap and lightly seal it with a small piece of Scotch tape, using enough to hold the flap shut but not so much that you prevent the door from opening when someone pulls the knotted ribbon(s).